Leica
M6
Reissued mechanical M rangefinder for 35mm film — the classic Leica experience returns.
$5,695
Launch priceReleased Oct 2022
Leica
SL3
60MP L-mount flagship with 8K video and Leica color science.
$6,995
Launch priceReleased Mar 2024
SL3 is 1.4 years newer.
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Wins
M6
Wins
SL3
6 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BSL3 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 0 MP)
- BSL3 has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 49)
- BSL3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 25,600)
- BSL3 has higher EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 2,360,000)
- BSL3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareM6
139 × 79 × 38 mm
598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
SL3
141 × 108 × 85 mm
769 g (1.70 lb / 27.13 oz)
M6 is 3mm narrower, 29mm shorter, and 46mm thinner than SL3.
M6 is 171 g lighter than SL3.
Depth (front-to-back): 38mm M6 · 85mm SL3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
M6
139 × 79 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
SL3
141 × 108 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
M6
139 × 38 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
SL3
141 × 85 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M6
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
M6: mount data unavailable
SL3
✓ more lensesLeica L
80+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
M6
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.6, 79.3, 38.25
AA filter
Only M6 supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only M6 supports it
Weight
598 g vs 769 g — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose
SL3
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 0 MP — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 84.6
AF points / zones
779 vs 49 — higher is better
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only SL3 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M6
Pros
- ✓Mechanical film M
- ✓Iconic design
- ✓Built to last
- ✓Pure analog workflow
Cons
- –Film only
- –Manual everything
- –Ongoing film/processing costs
SL3
Pros
- ✓60MP
- ✓8K video
- ✓Leica build
- ✓L-mount
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Heavy
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the M6 and SL3 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, M6 or SL3?
SL3 scores 10.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for M6 — 60.3MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the M6 and SL3?
M6 is 0 MP and SL3 is 60.3 MP, so the SL3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M6 and SL3 have in-body image stabilization?
M6 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while SL3 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M6 or the SL3?
M6 reaches 15 fps electronic. SL3 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M6 and SL3?
M6 weighs 598 g and SL3 weighs 769 g, so the M6 is 171 g lighter.
Do the M6 and SL3 record 4K video?
M6: 4K up to 60p. SL3: 8K / C8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M6 and SL3 weather sealed?
M6: No. SL3: Yes.
How much does each cost?
M6 launched at $5,695 and SL3 at $6,995. The M6 is $1,300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M6 vs SL3 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.